With Cupid running around and relationships blooming, February is officially the month of love. Whether you are sitting on your couch with a mug of hot chocolate or spending time with someone special, nothing sets the mood quite like a good romance novel. From enemies-to-lovers tension to childhood friends realizing their feelings, these five Valentine’s reads—chosen by a hopeless romantic—will sweep you right off your feet.
1.) Better Than the Movies
What do you mean Wes Bennett isn’t a real-life character? If you’re ever going to compare your real-life boyfriend to a fictional one, Wes Bennett is the standard. “Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter follows Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett in a hilarious, heartfelt childhood friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story.
Liz Buxbaum is a high school senior who has a very serious crush on Michael – until she realizes he seems far more interested in her extremely annoying neighbor, Wes. To inherit Michael’s attention, Liz reluctantly teams up with Wes, leading to witty banter, forced proximity and feelings neither of them expected. This book is a perfect mix of comedy, romance and nostalgia. This makes it an incredibly easy and addictive read. If you love rom-coms, slow-burn tension and a male lead who raises your standard, this book is a must.
2.) Pride and Prejudice
If you are in the mood for a historical romance, Jane Austen is your go-to girl. “Pride and Prejudice” revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman who navigates through social expectations, family pressures and her overly-complicated relationship with Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Though written centuries ago, this novel remains one of the most iconic love stories of all time. The misunderstanding, tension and emotional growth between Elizabeth and Darcy make their romance incredibly beautiful and rewarding. Austen proves love stories don’t need dramatic declaration to be powerful; sometimes all it takes is growth, respect and one perfectly timed confession.
3.) Today, Tonight, Tomorrow
Enemies to Lovers? Sappy Love Story? A single day filled with chaos? “Today, Tonight, Tomorrow” by Rachel Lynn Solomon delivers all of that and more. The novel follows Rowan Roth, a high school senior who is determined to win a scavenger hunt with her rival, Neil McNair. The plot evolves over one day as the two compete while confronting their complicated feelings for one another.
“Today, Tonight, Tomorrow” covers all themes—academic pressure, friendship and first loves—portraying the significance behind personal growth and the bittersweetness of endings and beginnings. It’s heartfelt, clever and deeply relatable, making it one of the most emotionally satisfying YA romances out there.
4.) Heartstopper (The Series)
“Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman follows a boy-meets-boy theme. Although not a classic novel, “Heartstopper” is a graphic novel that covers queer identity, friendship and support, mental health and an overall positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community. The story follows Charles (Charlie) Spring, a shy and openly gay student at Truhan Grammar School, who finds himself seated next to Nick Nelson, a friendly and popular rugby player. Despite the differences between the two, Nick and Charlie develop a genuine friendship, which leads to deeper feelings as they explore their identities.
“Heartstopper” does an amazing job of relating to the LGBTQ+ community, whilst making the plot adorable, funny and emotional for any audience to read. The story is sweet without being unrealistic, emotional without being overwhelming and universally relatable. Whether you’re reading for representation or simply for a feel-good love story, “Heartstopper” will leave you smiling (and maybe tearing you up a little bit, too).
Not only is “Heartstopper” a graphic novel series that you could pick up and enjoy, it’s also a Netflix Series for you to watch and read at the same time.
5.) The Upside of Falling
“The Upside of Falling” was one of the first YA romance novels I read, and I loved absolutely all of it. Fake dating with a little bit of bookworm and football player—the perfect cliche.
The plot follows Becca Hart, a seventeen-year-old girl who, after the divorce of her parents, finds love in her favorite romance novels (Don’t we all?). However, when her former best friend teases her about not having a boyfriend, Becca lies and claims that she is dating someone. Walking in the hallway, Brett Wells overhears the conversation between the two, deciding to help Becca. The two make a pact to pretend to date each other, leading them to navigate the social pressures of high school while exploring their feelings for each other.
“The Upside of Falling” by Alex Light is such a guilty pleasure novel while being relatable. Although cliché, this book is cozy in the best way possible and perfect for readers who love soft romances with genuine emotional growth.
